Character Counts: Shane Garnett

When Shane saw the importance of families in India having livestock, he set out on a fundraising mission. He worked nonstop selling many of his toys, asking friends and family for donations, giving his allowance and prized tooth fairy money and even looking for change on the ground. He challenged fellow students and others to match donations he was making.

After a few months, he had raised enough to purchase a goat for a family in India, where livestock not only provides food, but also additional income through offspring and dairy products that can be sold. Then he led a drive to buy a flock of chickens and a coop for a family. And now he's trying to raise $125 for a sewing machine, so a family can make clothes.

"I really want to help and do it as fast as possible, so I use every dollar I earn," Shane says.

Shane was initially touched and motivated to help purchase a goat after his parents showed him a gift catalog of the India Gospel League, a Christian organization supported by their church, Christ Fellowship.

Gwen Harris, counselor, and Margaret McFarlane, teacher: Shane first focused his efforts in raising enough money to purchase a goat to give to a family in India. Shane took this (catalog) information to heart and set out to make a difference in the lives of a family he'd never met, living on the other side of the world.

Shane said, "I thought it would be a nice thing to do." He's been known to clear out couch cushions after guests leave [their home], and he even parted with his treasured tooth fairy money to reach his goal.

Along with being a caring person, another dominant pillar is his display of citizenship. Shane is kind, respectful, has a great sense of humor and loves helping others.

When he completes classroom assignments and notices classmates having difficulty, he often volunteers to help them solve the problem. He also checks with his teacher, Ms. McFarlane, on a daily basis to see if there is anything he can help her with. During a class discussion, Ms. McFarlane asked the class why they like helping people. Shane replied, "It just makes me feel good."

Shane is admired by his teachers and classmates. Classmates look up to him for displaying good character and his consistency in being helpful in the classroom. … His teachers describe him as being a model student, and he is a joy to have in class.

Parents, Christy and Bobby Garnett: Shane has always been an extremely generous, thoughtful kid. If he earns a prize or treat at school, nine times out of 10, he will bring the treat home and give most or all of it to his younger siblings. He is a huge helper around the house with his siblings also.

I gave the typical American mom speech about how there are places in this world where kids don't have toys, and they barely have enough to eat or clothes to wear. Our church had told us about the India Gospel League and also a catalog where you can see items you can purchase for those in need in India.

I showed Shane how a small animal, like a goat or chicken, can truly change the life of a family. He didn't need to know the people or even see the animals. He worked nonstop … and it didn't take long for him to raise enough money. Once he bought the goat, he started right away on saving money for the chickens and coop. I literally had to stop him from selling every single toy in this house!

We were amazed at his diligence and persistence. He was constantly thinking of ways he could make money to reach his goal faster. We are truly proud parents and know that God gave him a passion for giving and diligence to actually make it happen.

Shane Garnett: I like to help people, even if they are across the world. I want to show God's love to the people in India by getting them things they need. I thought a goat would be nice, so the people in India could use it to provide for their families. They can use the chickens to sell eggs to help make money, so they can buy food and clothes.

… If I was a kid who needed clothes and food, I would be glad if someone bought my family a goat or chickens. That way, we could eat and have a place to sleep. God wants us to help people who need help. I like to do things for people who need help.

… I think other kids like what I did. I asked different people if they would match my donation, and that way we gave the people in India a bunch of goats and chickens. I hope other people will want to raise money to help the people in India with things that they need.